Detecting Corporate Greenwashing vs. Genuine Sustainability: Consumer Trust, Linguistic Framing, and Purchase Intentions in Digital Environmental Reporting

As corporate greenwashing incidents increased by over 70% between 2020 and 2024, consumer skepticism regarding corporate digital sustainability reporting has reached unprecedented levels. This study investigates how linguistic framing (substantive vs. symbolic language) and verification disclosure (third-party audited vs. self-declared) influence consumer trust, brand authenticity, and green purchase intentions. Utilizing a 2x2 between-subjects factorial vignette experiment with a sample of 850 consumers, structural equation modeling (SEM) reveals that symbolic green claims without third-party audit verification trigger severe greenwashing perceptions (beta = -0.528, p < 0.001), eroding consumer trust and purchase intentions. Radar perception mapping and stacked attitudinal breakdowns demonstrate that unverified claims degrade brand loyalty. Conversely, substantive operational metrics backed by independent assurance fully neutralize greenwashing suspicions. Interaction modeling proves that consumer environmental knowledge amplifies greenwashing detection. Policy recommendations emphasize mandatory third-party audit standards.